Preseason games to watch this week: Panthers vs. Giants, Dolphins vs. Texans, Bucs vs. Jets
The second week of the NFL preseason starts on Thursday night and there are some must see matchups spread throughout the the next five days.
Thursday marks the start of Week 2 of the NFL preseason as the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns kick off the weekend slate from Lincoln Financial Field.
As always in preseason the focus will be more centered around getting guys down the depth chart snaps, but we could get a better look some of the first team players as well as a few surprise starts from some of the stars of the league. More than anything fans around the league will be looking forward to seeing more of the rookie class, especially the top three QBs drafted.
Here are the headlines of all the can’t miss games coming up this weekend.
Browns vs. Eagles, Thursday @ 7:30 ET
We saw a bit of DeShaun Watson in last week’s game against the Commanders, and we can expect to see more than just a series with the Brown’s QB1 under center on Thursday. This wouldn’t normally be must see, but since it’s the preseason and it’s the only game on, you know you’ll be tuning in.
Panthers vs. Giants , Friday @ 7:00 ET
Carolina’s game in the Meadowlands will give us our second look at top pick Bryce Young. It was an underwhelming debut for the former Alabama gunslinger but he should get a few more possessions and it will be a good chance to measure his progression as the preseason goes on.
Dolphins vs. Texans, Saturday @ 4:00 ET
Eli Apple was a late addition to the Dolphins defense, and after playing in Week 1 we should get another good look at him on Saturday. There is also a QB2 competition heating up in Miami, but everyone will be tuning in to see No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud who had a debut to forget after throwing an interception on his first offensive possession.
Bears vs. Colts, Saturday @ 7:00 ET
To the surprise of many, we saw a little bit of Justin Fields in the Bears win over the Titans last week. We might get another glimpse at Fields, but don’t expect to see too much of him considering his style of play. The hot ticket will be Anthony Richardson who was just awarded the starting role in Week 1 after a shaky start to his NFL career.
Bucs vs. Jets, Saturday @ 7:30 ET
Us dreamers will be hoping and praying for an Aaron Rodgers sighting on Saturday night. While it probably won’t happen, we will get some more insight on who the favorite to inherit the starting QB role in Tampa Bay. Expect plenty of snaps for Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask who were both outplayed by third stringer John Wolford.
Patriots vs. Packers, Saturday @ 8:00 ET
Is there or isn’t there a QB competition in New England? To no surprise, Bill Belichick is keeping tongue-and-cheek on the matter. That means that Mac Jones has to be on his A game, as Billy Zappe is nipping at his heels. Jordan Love will start under center for the Packers again after a solid beginning to his preseason in Week 1 against the Bengals.
Broncos vs. Niners, Saturday @ 8:30 ET
Sean Payton, Russell Wilson. Russell Wilson, Sean Payton. That’s the story in Denver these days. Wilson showed glimpses of his old self in Week 1 as he continues to learn Payton’s offense, and the Broncos’ QB1 will most likely get some more run, but will be hoping for more protection in San Fran. Trey Lance is in position to solidify his spot as the starter with Brock Purdy still recovering from injury. He will have to feel as though it’s now or never as all eyes are on him in the Bay.